A while back, not long after the release of his most recent studio album, The Story of Sonny Boy Slim, I spoke with acclaimed guitarist Gary Clark Jr. about topics ranging from how he crafts solos to the importance of practice. In conjunction with Gibson’s recent announcement of the Gary Clark Jr. Signature SG, we present that interview here, published for the very first time.

From cowboys to kings and Lords of the Strings, the Gibson SJ-200 is just about the most iconic acoustic guitar ever made. As it approaches its 80th anniversary, here’s a quick guide to the curvaceous creation that proves that when it comes to acoustics, big is beautiful.